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Perfectly imperfect! My heart all in one picture.

Here is Lexi being nine!

I can't believe this pretty little thing is nine years old already. Lexi's birthdays are sort of extra special for me. Not only is she my first born, but she is me through and through. Lexi, you are one of the most special nine year olds I know. You, without a doubt, have a heart of gold. You are as smart as can be ... you are so smart that you know that's not even the best quality about you. Your nurturing spirit, your love of our earth and animals and your genuine care and concern of other people is the most incredible thing to watch. I love your passion, commitment and your sense of responsibility .... far succeeds most nine year olds I know. I love your silly sense of humor, your desire to have answers to everything and that sarcastic sassiness is even cute from time to time. Your high energy, can't sit still for a second personality always has me on my toes, but I wouldn't change it for a minute. You inspire me and bring life into my world every single day. The other day you told me you were going to be the first girl president .... hopefully you won't be the FIRST girl, but sweetheart you will do BIG things, I know it. Happy birthday to you Alexi Ryann, my wild, crazy, sweet and loving 9 year old. Enjoy your first day of your 365 day trip around the sun being nine!

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A little reminder that sometimes we need to take a step back and look at all the things we have and not all the things we want. Kids have that beautiful and innocent way of simplifying our view for us. // This of course is a pretty typical depiction .... Carli observing, Gavin and Lexi admiring, I mean dissecting the dead lion fish.

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 When your head says "give up" your heart gives you a little hope and whispers "try one more time". God knew I needed Carli in between my two crazies. I am so blessed. This girls talents may not revolve around athleticism, but she certainly perseveres like no other. Eventually she gets it. Every. Single. Time. 

Could you imagine .....

I have a handful of messages I work hard on instilling on the kids and this is one of them. Beauty is on the inside!!

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 Let's just climb high, sit back and count every little beautiful thing we see!

Seven looks good on you sweet girl!

On your birthday sweet Carli I will reflect. I will reflect on what you have taught me. You have taught me how to be the ultimate optimist. In your world things rarely go wrong and the glass is always half full. You remind me to not live my life trying to impress others. God knows you are not out to impress ANYBODY. You have taught me how to be present. To appreciate all the little things life has to offer. You taught me to be still and soak up all the simple moments. You taught me that every once in awhile you have to scream, shout, kick yourself around and have a total meltdown just to let the world know you still exist. Perhaps you will allow us to borrow your glasses. Perhaps if we could just hold a morsel of your sunshine .... perhaps! Happy 7th birthday sweet sunshine! Keep shining your rays and lighting up the world.

Happy Birthday to this handsome guy!

Happy Birthday to this crazy little guy. This guy puts up with all kinds of kid antics. He has been the best of friends and is always willing to take the role of patient, superhero or whatever the day may bring.